New laws intended to ease the planning process and help combat the current shortage in homes have been passed in Parliament. But as statistics reveal a higher than average success rate for planning applications in Nottingham, are these relaxed rules going to make much of a difference for local homeowners?
Coming into effect by September, the new legislation will allow developers to convert commercial and retail buildings into housing and demolish and rebuild unused buildings, without the need to apply for full planning permission – all in a bid to revitalise town centres across the country.
The legislation will also allow homeowners to add an extra two storeys to existing buildings under permitted development by way of a fast-track approval system, although careful consideration will still be required regarding the impact on neighbours and overall appearance of the extension.
“We’re all for any changes that make it easier for families to gain some much-needed additional space for their children or elderly relatives,” says Benjamin Heginbotham, director of local architectural design firm, The Practical Planning Company. “In our experience, though, the planning system works; local authorities want to approve applications, evidenced by an 84% average planning approval rate across England.
“And with Nottingham – where we live, work and operate – enjoying an even higher rate of 91%, we’re not so sure the changes are going to make that much of a difference.”
Described by the government as a move to “cut out unnecessary bureaucracy”, these extensions of permitted development rules are said to be a step in the right direction to provide some much needed housing and help the economy recover, by giving small businesses the freedom to adapt and evolve.
“Removal of red tape in any industry makes life much easier and, in this case, it lets homeowners get on with creating their dream home faster and in a more cost-effective way,” continues Benjamin. “It will also have a knock-on effect, reducing the demand for new housing and therefore the need for developing greenfield sites.
“But, with recent reports revealing homes created under current permitted development rules are of a lower standard of quality compared to those requiring planning permission, we’re concerned that this is going to pave the way for more poor quality, small and poorly lit homes in unacceptable locations.
“For us, careful consideration on each and every project will be key, and we just hope that the new rules don’t allow developers to take it too far for short-term wins.”
The Practical Planning Company offers architectural design services across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
